Polyalkylene glycol derivative and modified bio-related substance

ABSTRACT

A polyalkylene glycol derivative containing a compound of the formula (1): 
                         
wherein R is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, OA 2  is an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, the groups represented by R are the same or different from each other in one molecule, the groups represented by OA 2  are the same or different from each other in one molecule, m is an average number of moles of the oxyalkylene group added, m represents 10 to 1000, and X represents a functional group capable of chemically reactive with a bio-related substance,
         polydispersity Mw/Mn of the above polyalkylene glycol derivative in gel permeation chromatography satisfying the following relationship:
 
Mw/Mn≦1.07
 
wherein Mw represents a weight average molecular weight and Mn represents a number average molecular weight.

This is a Continuation-In-Part application which claims priority under 35 U.S.C §120 to application Ser. No. 10/716,432 filed in the United States on Nov. 20, 2003, now abandoned; the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a reactive polyalkylene glycol derivative, and a bio-related substance modified with the reactive polyalkylene glycol derivative.

BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION

Recently, a large number of proteins, polypeptides, synthetic compounds, and compounds extracted from natural resources having physiological activity have been found out and the application thereof to pharmaceuticals has been extensively studied. However, these physiologically active substances have short half-lives in blood when they are injected to a body and hence it is difficult to obtain a sufficient pharmacological effect. This is because the physiologically active substances injected to a body are usually cleared from the body because of the filtration through glomeruli in the kidney and the uptake by macrophages in the liver, spleen, and the like. Therefore, it is attempted to improve the behavior in a body by including these physiologically active substances in liposomes or polymer micelles or increasing their molecular weight through chemical modification with polyethylene glycol which is an amphiphatic polymer. Polyethylene glycol exhibits a low interaction with the other bio-components owing to its steric repulsion effect and as a result, proteins and polypeptides such as enzymes modified with polyethylene glycol exhibit an effect of avoiding the filtration through glomeruli in the kidney and bio-reactions such as immunoreaction, so that they achieve half-lives in blood longer than those of unmodified substances. Moreover, they also have decreased toxicity and antigenicity and further exhibit an effect of enhancing the solubility of a sparingly water-soluble compound having a high hydrophobicity.

Hitherto, in the case of modifying a physiologically active substance with polyethylene glycol, particularly in the case of modifying a low-molecular-weight drug or peptide, there arises a problem that few numbers of reactive functional groups can be used for the modification with polyethylene glycol. Furthermore, when a peptide or drug is modified with many polyethylene glycol molecules for obtaining a sufficient effect of the modification with polyethylene glycol, the active site of the peptide or drug is blocked and hence problems may arise that its own function and efficacy cannot be exhibited sufficiently and enough solubility in water cannot be obtained.

For solving such problems, the reduction of the number of modification with polyethylene glycol using a branched polyethylene glycol derivative has been attempted. JP-B-61-42558 proposes a polyethylene glycol-modified L-asparaginase. However, cyanuric chloride as a starting material for a reactive polyethylene glycol derivative has three reactive sites and hence it is difficult to introduce two polyethylene glycol chains thereinto selectively. Accordingly, it is difficult to synthesize a highly pure polyethylene glycol-modified L-asparaginase.

Also, JP-A-10-67800 proposes a polyethylene glycol-modified interferon α. However, this substance has three urethane and amide bonds including the linkage between interferon α and the poly(ethylene glycol)oxy group. These bonds are labile to hydrolysis during storage or during the reaction under an alkaline condition and as a result, there arises a problem that the branched polyethylene glycol moiety is decomposed into a single chain. This is because the polyethylene glycol derivative which is the intermediate material has been produced by a method wherein two monomethoxypolyethylene glycols and amino groups at α- and ε-positions of lysine are combined through urethane bonds and then the carboxyl residue of lysine is converted into a succinimide ester. Moreover, in order to produce the polyethylene glycol-modified interferon α, there arises a problem that increased impurities are produced owing to the multi-step process, such as the activation of the terminal hydroxyl groups of two monomethoxypolyethylene glycols, the combination with lysine, the activation of the carboxyl residue of lysine, and the combination with interferon α.

Accordingly, it is desired to develop a bio-related substance formed by highly stable bonds, a process for producing the same, and a branched reactive polyalkylene glycol derivative which can be produced in a convenient manner and in a high purity and has a higher stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the invention is to provide a polyalkylene glycol derivative having a reactive group capable of being combined with a bio-related substance at the primary carbon at the 1-position of the glycerin skeleton and having polyalkylene glycol chains at the 2- and 3-positions, wherein all the bonds except the bonding site with the bio-related substance is formed by ether bonds having a high stability.

A second object of the invention is to provide a bio-related substance having a branched poly(alkylene glycol)oxy group which is formed by stable bonds and is hardly decomposed into a single chain.

As a result of extensive studies for solving the above problems, the present inventors have found a novel branched polyalkylene glycol derivative and a novel bio-related substance having a branched poly(alkylene glycol)oxy group, and thus accomplished the invention.

Namely, the invention relates to a polyalkylene glycol derivative comprising a compound of the following formula (1):

wherein R is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, OA² is an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, the groups represented by R are the same or different from each other in one molecule, the groups represented by OA² are the same or different from each other in one molecule, m is an average number of moles of the above oxyalkylene group added, m represents 10 to 1000, and X represents a functional group capable of chemically reacting with a bio-related substance,

polydispersity Mw/Mn of the above polyalkylene glycol derivative in gel permeation chromatography satisfying the following relationship: Mw/Mn≦1.07 wherein Mw represents a weight average molecular weight and Mn represents a number average molecular weight.

The branched polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention can provide a polyalkylene glycol derivative having a reactive group capable of being combined with a bio-related substance at the primary carbon at the 1-position of the glycerin skeleton and having polyalkylene glycol chains at the 2- and 3-positions, wherein all the bonds except the bonding site with the bio-related substance is formed by ether bonds having a high stability. The modified bio-related substance of the invention is formed by stable bonds and is hardly decomposed into a single chain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a model chart of a chromatogram obtained by gel permeation chromatography of a polyalkylene glycol derivative.

FIG. 2 is a model chart of a chromatogram obtained by gel permeation chromatography of a polyalkylene glycol derivative.

FIG. 3 is a model chart of a chromatogram obtained by liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating a result of GPC measurement before an accelerated aging test of the compound (p-19).

FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating a result of GPC measurement after an accelerated aging test of the compound (p-19).

FIG. 6 is a chart illustrating a result of GPC measurement before an accelerated aging test of the compound (p-21).

FIG. 7 is a chart illustrating a result of GPC measurement after an accelerated aging test of the compound (p-21).

FIG. 8 is a result of electrophoresis of the compounds obtained by modifying Humanin with the compound (p9) and the compound (p25).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The polyalkylene glycol derivative of the present invention is represented by the formula (1):

wherein R is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, OA² is an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, the groups represented by R are the same or different from each other in one molecule, the groups represented by OA² are the same or different from each other in one molecule, m is an average number of moles of the above oxyalkylene group added, m represents 10 to 1000, and X represents a functional group capable of chemically reacting with a bio-related substance, polydispersity Mw/Mn of the above polyallylene glycol derivative in gel permeation chromatography satisfying the following relationship: Mw/Mn≦1.07 wherein Mw represents a weight average molecular weight and Mn represents a number average molecular weight.

R in the formula (1) is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms and specific hydrocarbon groups include hydrocarbon groups such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, a butyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, an isopentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, a 2-ethylhexyl group, an octyl group, a nonyl group, a decyl group, an undecyl group, a dodecyl group, a tridecyl group, a tetradecyl group, a pentadecyl group, a hexadecyl group, a heptadecyl group, an octadecyl group, an oleyl group, a nonadecyl group, an eicosyl group, a heneicosyl group, docosyl group, a tricosyl group, a tetracosyl group, a benzyl group, a cresyl group, a butylphenyl group, and a dodecylphenyl group. The hydrocarbon group is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, further preferably a methyl group. Rs may be the same or different from each other in one molecule.

OA² represents an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Specifically, it includes an oxyethylene group, an oxypropylene group, an oxytrimethylene group, an oxy-1-ethylethylene group, an oxy-1,2-dimethylethylene group, and an oxytetramethylene group. The oxyalcylene groups may be the same or different from each other and may be added randomly or block-wise. In general, the fewer the carbon atoms are, the higher the hydrophilicity is. The group is preferably an oxyethylene group or an oxypropylene group, more preferably an oxyethylene group. OA²s may be the same or different from each other in one molecule. m is an average number of moles of the oxyalkylene group added. m represents 10 to 1000, preferably 20 to 1000, more preferably 50 to 1000, most preferably 100 to 800.

X is not particularly limited as far as it is a functional group capable of chemically reacting with a bio-related substance or an unsaturated bond. In a preferable embodiment, X is a group represented by the group (I):

The groups represented by (c), (d), (h), and (j) are preferable in the case of reaction with an amino group of the bio-related substance, the groups represented by (b), (c), (d), (e), (h), (i), and (j) in the case of reaction with a mercapto group of the bio-related substance, the group represented by (i) in the case of reaction with an unsaturated bond of the bio-related substance, and the groups represented by (a) and (i) in the case of reaction with a carboxyl group of the bio-related substance. Moreover, the groups represented by (a), (f), (g), and (i) are preferable in the case of reaction with an aldehyde group of the bio-related substance. In the case that the bio-related substance does not have an amino group, a mercapto group, an unsaturated bond, a carboxyl group, or an aldehyde group, these groups may be suitably introduced thereto.

Z in the group (I) is a linker between the reactive functional group and the carbon at 1-position of glycerin and is not particularly limited as far as it is a covalent bond but preferably includes an alkylene group alone or an alkylene group containing an ester bond, a urethane bond, an amide bond, an ether bond, a carbonate bond, or a secondary amino group. Preferable alkylene group includes a methylene group, an ethylene group, a trimethylene group, a propylene group, an isopropylene group, a tetramethylene group, a butylene group, an isobutylene group, a pentamethylene group, and a hexamethylene group. More preferable is a structure of the following (z1). Further preferable as an alkylene group containing an ester bond is a structure of the following (z2). More preferable as an alkylene group containing an amide bond is a structure of the following (z3). A structure of the following (z4), (z7), or (z8) is more preferable as an alkylene group containing an ether bond. More preferable as an alkylene group containing a urethane bond is a structure of the following (z5). A structure of the following (z6) is more preferable as an alkylene group containing a secondary amino group. In each formula, s is an integer of 1 to 6, preferably an integer of 1 to 5.

W¹ in the group (I) is a halogen atom selected from Cl, Br, and I, and preferable is a case of I.

FIG. 1 is a model chart of a chromatogram obtained by gel permeation chromatography of a polyalkylene glycol derivative.

In the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the formula (1), polydispersity Mw/Mn in gel permeation chromatography indicates polydispersity Mw/Mn in the whole peaks from elution start point to elution end point and satisfies a relationship: Mw/Mn≦1.07. More preferable is the case wherein it satisfies a relationship: Mw/Mn≦1.06. Further preferable is the case wherein it satisfies a relationship: Mw/Mn≦1.05.

The case that Mw/Mn is larger than 1.07 means that high-molecular-weight impurities and low-molecular-weight impurities are present in large amounts and when a bio-related substance is combined, physical properties becomes heterogeneous, so that the product is not preferable as a pharmaceutical.

In the invention, at gel permeation chromatography, LC10AVP was employed as a GPC system and measurement was carried out under the following conditions:

-   developing solvent: DMF (containing 10 mM lithium bromide); flow     rate: 0.7 ml/min; column: PLgel MIXED-D two columns; column     temperature: 65° C.; detector: RI (manufactured by shodex); sample     amount: 1 mg/mL, 100 μl.

Moreover, at analysis of an aldehyde compound, since an associate is formed under the above conditions and thus it is difficult to conduct correct measurement of molecular weight distribution, measurement was carried out under the following conditions:

-   system: Alliance2695 (Nihon Waters K.K.); developing solvent: 100 mM     sodium acetate buffer solution (pH=5.2, containing 0.02% NaN₃); flow     rate: 0.5 ml/min; column: Ultlahydrogel500+Ultlahydrogel250 2     columns; column temperature: 30° C.; detector: RI; sample amount: 5     mg/mL, 20 μl.

FIG. 2 is a model chart of a chromatogram obtained by gel permeation chromatography of a polyalkylene glycol derivative.

In the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the formula (1), the low-molecular-weight impurities (%) is represented by (Area-L/Area-A)×100 where a peak showing a maximum point of refractive index is regarded as a main peak among peaks excluding peaks attributable to the developing solvent and the like used and pseudo peaks owing to fluctuation of base line originated from the columns and apparatus used, a line connecting an elution start point and an elution end point of a chromatogram is used as a base line, a total peak area on and above the base line is defined as Area-A, and a peak area from a minimum point between a peak top of the main peak and a peak top of a peak to be observed next to the main peak to the elution end point is defined as Area-L. In the case that any minimum point between the peaks is not observed, a peak area from an inflection point to be first observed starting from the peak top of the main peak to the elution end point is defined as Area-L.

In the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the formula (1) of the invention, Area-A and Area-L preferably satisfy a relationship: (Area-L/Area-A)×100≦6(%), more preferably satisfy a relationship: (Area-L/Area-A)×100≦5(%), further preferably satisfy a relationship: (Area-L/Area-A)×100≦4(%).

The case that (Area-L/Area-A)×100 is larger than 6(%) means that low-molecular-weight impurities are present in a large amount and, when a bio-related substance is combined, physical properties becomes heterogeneous, so that the product is not preferable as a pharmaceutical.

The modified bio-related substance of the invention represents a combined product of the compound of the formula (1) with a bio-related substance.

The “bio-related substance” according to the invention means a substance relating to a body. The substances relating to a body include the following.

(1) Animal Cell-Constituting Materials Such as Phospholipids, Glycolipides, and Glycoproteins

The animal cell-constituting materials are components constituting cell membranes or the like and the kind is not particularly limited but examples thereof include phospholipids, glycolipides, and glycoproteins. Examples of more specific phospholipids include phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, cardiolipin, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol. In addition, lyso isomers thereof are also included. These phospholipids may be those derived from natural products such as egg yolk or soybean or may be synthesized products. The composition of fatty acids is not particularly limited but may include fatty acids having 12 to 22 carbon atoms. These fatty acids may be saturated fatty acids or may be those containing an unsaturated bond. Examples of more specific glycolipids include ceramides, cerebrosides, sphingosines, gangliosides, and glyceroglycolipids. In addition, fatty acids, monoglycerides, diglycerides, cholesterols, and bile acid are also included.

(2) Body Fluid-Constituting Substances Such as Blood, Lymph, and Bone Marrow Liquid

The body fluid-constituting substances mean fluid components existing inside and outside cells and the kind is not particularly limited but examples thereof include blood, lymph, and bone marrow liquid. Examples of more specific body fluid-constituting components include hemoglobin, albumin, and blood coagulation factors.

(3) Physiologically Active Substances Such as Vitamins, Neurotransmitters, Proteins, Polypeptides, and Drugs

The physiologically active substances mean components controlling body functions and the kind is not particularly limited but examples thereof include vitamins, neurotransmitters, proteins, polypeptides, and drugs.

Examples of more specific vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Examples of more specific neurotransmitters include adrenalin, noradrenalin, dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid.

Examples of more specific proteins and polypeptides include the following. Hormones such as neurohypophysial hormone, thyroid hormone, male sex hormone, female sex hormone, and adrenal cortex hormone. Serum proteins such as hemoglobin and blood factors. Immunoglobulins such as IgG, IgE, IgM, IgA, and IgD. Cytokines and fragments thereof, such as interleukins (IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-11 and IL-12 subtypes), interferons (-α, -β, -γ), granulocyte-colony stimulating factors (α and β types), macrophage-colony stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, platelet-derived growth factor, phospholipase-activating protein, insulin, glucagon, lectin, ricin, tumor necrosis factor, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factors (-α, -β), fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, nerve growth factor, bone growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, heparin binding growth factor, tumor growth factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, macrophage differentiating factor, differentiation-inducing factor, leukemia inhibitory factor, amphiregurin, somatomedin, erythropoietin, hemopoietin, thrombopoietin, and calcitonin. Enzymes such as proteolytic enzymes, oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, ligases, asparaginases, arginases, arginine deaminases, adenosine deaminases, superoxide dismutases, endotoxinases, catalases, chymotrypsin, lipases, uricases, elastases, streptokinases, urokinases, prourokinases, adenosine diphosphatases, tyrosinases, bilirubin oxidases, glucose oxidases, glucodases, glactosidases, glucocerebrosidases, and glucouronidases. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and fragments thereof polyamino acids such as poly-L-lysine and poly-D-lysine. Vaccines such as hepatitis B vaccine, malaria vaccine, melanoma vaccine, and HIV-1 vaccine, and antigens. In addition, glycoproteins are also included. Furthermore, also included are structurally similar substances having physiological activity similar to that of these physiologically active substances.

Moreover, these proteins and polypeptides may be isolated from natural sources thereof or cells subjected to genetic engineering or may be produced via various synthetic processes.

The drugs are not particularly limited but more preferably include anticancer drugs and antifungal drugs.

More specific anticancer drugs are not particularly limited but, for example, include paclitaxel, adriamycin, doxorubicin, cisplatin, daunomycin, mitomycin, vincristine, epirubicin, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, aclacinomycin, idamycin, bleomycin, pirarubicin, peplomycin, vancomycin, and camptothecine.

Specific antifungal drugs are not particularly limited but, for example, include amphotericin B, nystatin, flucytosine, miconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and peptide antifungal drugs.

Moreover, these physiologically active substances also include flavonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, saponins, steroids, quinones, anthraquinones, xanthones, coumarins, alkaloids, porphyrins, and polyphenols, which possess, for example, antioxidant action, PAF inhibitory action, antiinflammatory action, and antifungal action.

The number of modifications with the polyalkylene glycol derivative to the bio-related substance is not particularly limited but is preferably 1 to 100, more preferably 1 to 20.

Tables 1 and 2 show relation between a residual group T of the above bio-related substance and a functional group X which forms a chemical bond with the residual group T.

TABLE 1 Reactive group of physiologically active substance X group T—NH₂ (amino group) T—SH (Mercapto group)

(a) —Z—NH₂

TABLE 2 Reactive group of physiologically active substance X group T—NH₂ (Amino group) T—SH (Mercapto group)

(g) —Z—ONH₂

—Z—ON═CH—T (oxime) (h) —Z—COOH

(j) —Z—SH

—Z—S—S—T (disulfide)

As is apparent from the tables, the functional group X in the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention and the bio-related substance are combined by, for example, an amide bond, a secondary amino group, a urethane bond, a thioester bond, a sulfide bond, a disulfide bond, a thiocarbonate bond, an oxime, a hydrazone, or a thioacetal bond.

The modified bio-related substances of the invention can be produced as follows.

(Case of Reacting an Amino Group of a Bio-Related Substance with a Polyalkylene Glycol Derivative of the Invention)

In the case of the modification with an amino group of a bio-related substance, the compounds (c), (d), (h), and (j) of the invention are used. More preferably, (c), (d), and (j) are used. At the reaction, the compounds (c), (d), (h), and (j) of the invention may be reacted in a ratio of equimolar or more to the bio-related substance. The reaction solvent is not particularly limited as far as it does not participate in the reaction, but in the case of reacting a protein or polypeptide, preferable solvents include buffer solutions such as phosphate buffer solutions, borate buffer solutions, Tris-acid buffer solutions, acetate buffer solutions, and carbonate buffer solutions. Furthermore, an organic solvent which does not deactivate the protein or polypeptide and does not participate in the reaction, such as acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, or dimethylacetamide, may be added. In the case of reacting an anticancer drug, antifungal drug, or phospholipid, preferable solvents include, in addition to the above buffer solutions, toluene, benzene, xylene, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, t-butyl methyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, methylene dichloride, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, water, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, 2-propanol, and n-butanol. Also, the solvent need not be used. The order of adding the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention and the bio-related substance is optional. The reaction temperature is not particularly limited as far as it does not deactivate the bio-related substance, but the temperature is preferably 0 to 40° C. in the case of reacting a protein or polypeptide and is preferably −20 to 150° C. in the case of reacting an anticancer drug, antifungal drug, or phospholipid. The reaction time is preferably 0.5 to 72 hours, more preferably 1 to 24 hours. At the reaction, a condensing agent such as N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) or 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) may be used. In the case that a Schiff base is formed by the reaction, it may be subjected to reduction treatment using a reducing agent such as sodium cyanoborohydride. A covalent bond is formed between the bio-related substance and the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention by carrying out the reaction. An amide bond is formed in the case of using (c) or (h), and a urethane bond is formed in the case of using (d). A Schiff base is formed in the case of using (j) and the Schiff base is reduced to form a secondary amino group. After completion of the reaction, the product may be purified by a purifying means such as dialysis, salting-out, ultrafiltration, ion-exchange chromatography, electrophoresis, extraction, recrystallization, adsorption treatment, reprecipitation, column chromatography, or supercritical extraction.

(Case of Reacting a Mercapto Group of a Bio-Related Substance with a Polyalkylene Glycol Derivative of the Invention)

In the case of the modification with a mercapto group of a bio-related substance, the polyalkylene glycol derivatives of the invention (b), (c), (d), (e), (h), (i), and (j) of the invention are used. More preferably, (b) and (e) are used. The reaction solvent, reaction conditions, and the like are the same as in the case of using an amino group. At the reaction, a radical initiator such as iodine or AIBN may be used. A covalent bond is formed between the bio-related substance and the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention by carrying out the reaction, and a thioether bond is formed in the case of using (c) or (h), a thiocarbonate bond in the case of using (d), a disulfide bond in the case of using (i), a sulfide bond in the case of using (b) or (e), and a thioacetal bond is formed in the case of using (j).

(Case of Reacting an Unsaturated Bond of a Bio-Related Substance with a Polyalkylene Glycol Derivative of the Invention)

In the case of the modification with an unsaturated bond of a bio-related substance, the polyalkylene glycol derivative (i) of the invention is used. The reaction solvent, reaction conditions, and the like are the same as in the case of using an amino group. At the reaction, a radical initiator such as iodine or AIBN may be used. A sulfide bond is formed between the bio-related substance and the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention by carrying out the reaction.

(Case of Reacting a Carboxyl Group of a Bio-Related Substance with a Polyalkylene Glycol Derivative of the Invention)

In the case of the modification with a carboxyl group of a bio-related substance, the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention (a) or (i) of the invention is used. The reaction solvent, reaction conditions, and the like are the same as in the case of using an amino group. At the reaction, a condensing agent such as DCC or EDC may be optionally used. A covalent bond is formed between the bio-related substance and the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention by carrying out the reaction, and a thioester bond is formed in the case of using (i) and an amide bond in the case of using (a).

(Case of Reacting an Aldehyde Group of a Bio-Related Substance with a Polyalkylene Glycol Derivative of the Invention)

In the case of the modification with an aldehyde group of a bio-related substance, the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention (a), (f), (g), or (i) of the invention is used. The reaction solvent, reaction conditions, and the like are the same as in the case of using an amino group. In the case that a Schiff base is formed, it may be subjected to reduction treatment using a reducing agent such as sodium cyanoborohydride. A thioacetal bond is formed in the case of using (i), a secondary amino group in the case of using (a), an oxime in the case of using (g), and a hydrazone bond in the case of using (f).

Moreover, in the case that a bio-related substance does not have any of an amino group, a mercapto group, an unsaturated bond, a carboxyl group, and an aldehyde group, the bio-related substance can be modified by introducing a reactive group suitably into the bio-related substance and using a polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention.

The polyalkylene glycol derivatives of the formula (1) of the invention can be, for example, produced as follows. After the primary hydroxyl group residue of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol is protected with a benzyl group, the cyclic acetal structure is deprotected under an acidic condition to obtain the following general formula (pa). An alkylene oxide is polymerized in an amount of 10 to 1000 mol to the newly formed two hydroxyl groups to obtain the following general formula (pb). Then, the terminal ends are alkyl-etherified to obtain the following general formula (pc). Thereafter, the benzyl group is deprotected and thereby, the compound of the following general formula (p) wherein X is a hydroxyl group can be obtained.

As above, a highly pure branched polyalkylene glycol derivative can be produced in high yields in an industrially suitable manner by using the alkylene oxide-addition polymerization reaction, without column purification.

Using the hydroxyl group of the compound (p) thus obtained, the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention can be produced by modifying hydroxy group into various reactive groups shown in the group (I).

The polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention having each functional group of the group (I) can be reacted with a bio-related substance but in some cases, the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention can be further reacted with the other compound to produce other polyalkylene glycol derivative and it can be then reacted with a bio-related substance. For example, using the polyalkylene glycol derivative having a functional group (a) belonging to the group (I) as a starting material, the polyalkylene glycol derivative having (b) of the group (I) can be synthesized. Moreover, using the polyalkylene glycol derivative having a functional group (h) belonging to the group (I) as an starting material, the polyalkylene glycol derivative having (c) of the group (I) can be synthesized.

The following will describe a process for producing the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the invention.

The benzyl etherification of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol can be carried out in the following manner.

-   1) It can be achieved by reacting benzyl chloride or benzyl bromide     with 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol in an aprotic solvent or     without any solvent in the presence of an alkali catalyst such as     sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. -   2) It can be achieved by converting the hydroxyl group of     2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol in an aprotic solvent or     without any solvent using sodium, potassium, sodium hydride,     potassium hydride, sodium methoxide, potassium methoxide, potassium     t-butoxide, or the like into an alcoholate and reacting the     alcoholate with benzyl chloride or benzyl bromide under a basic     condition. -   3) It can be achieved by activating the hydroxyl group of     2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol with methanesulfonyl chloride,     p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanesulfonyl chloride,     or the like in an aprotic solvent or without any solvent, followed     by the reaction with an alcoholate of benzyl alcohol.

The deprotection of the cyclic acetal structure which follows the benzyl etherification is achieved by the reaction in an aqueous solution adjusted to pH 1 to 4 with an acid such as acetic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, or hydrochloric acid, whereby a compound of the formula (pa) can be produced.

The method of addition polymerization of an alkylene oxide to the compound of the formula (pa) having two hydroxyl groups newly formed by the deprotection of the cyclic acetal to obtain a compound of the formula (pb) is not particularly limited but can be achieved via the following steps (C1) and (C2).

Step (C1): as a method of alcoholation of the compound of the formula (pa), the alcoholation is carried out using sodium or potassium, preferably sodium as a catalyst, in an catalyst amount of 5 to 50% by mol, followed by dissolution at 10 to 50° C.

Step (C2): an alkylene oxide addition polymerization is carried out at a reaction temperature of 50 to 130° C.

With regard to the catalyst amount in the step (C1), since the polymerization rate of the alkylene oxide decreases at less than 5% by mol and heat history increases to result in the formation of impurities such as a terminal vinyl ether compound, the use of the catalyst in an amount of 5% by mol or more is advantageous in the production of a high quality high-molecular-weight compound. When the catalyst amount exceeds 50% by mol, the viscosity of the reaction liquid increases or the liquid solidifies at the alcoholation reaction and thus there is a tendency that the stirring efficiency decreases and the alcoholation is not accelerated. Moreover, when the liquid solidifies, handling thereof tends to be difficult, which causes water absorption. When the alcoholate has absorbed water, an alkylene glycol compound derived from water is formed and is contained as an impurity undesirable in medical use.

When the temperature at the dissolution is higher than 50° C., a decomposition reaction may occur to form benzyl alcohol and glycerin. When benzyl alcohol is formed, it initiates addition polymerization with the alkylene oxide, whereby a low-molecular-weight impurity having a molecular weight 0.5 time the molecular weight of the target compound. When the low-molecular-weight impurity derived from benzyl alcohol is formed, a functional group is introduced via alkyl-etherification of the hydroxyl group and deprotection in the subsequent steps as in the case of the target compound, so that the impurity is converted into a low-molecular-weight impurity which is reactive with a bio-related substance. There is a possibility that such impurity may react with a bio-related substance and change the physical properties of the resulting preparation. Moreover, when glycerin is formed, it also initiates addition polymerization with the alkylene oxide to form a high-molecular-weight impurity having a molecular weight 1.5 times that of the target compound. Since the high-molecular-weight impurity does not have a benzyl group and its terminal hydroxyl group is only alkyl-etherified, no functional group is introduced. However, when the combination with a drug or the like is carried out while such impurity is contained, the resulting preparation becomes inhomogeneous and hence the quality tends to be varied. Also, the preparation is not suitable in a medical use where a highly pure product is required.

When the dissolution is carried out at a temperature lower than 10° C., like the case that the catalyst amount is more than 50% by mol, the viscosity of the reaction liquid increases or the liquid solidified at the alcoholation reaction, and handling thereof tends to be difficult, and water absorption is caused.

The reaction solvent is not particularly limited as far as it is an aprotic solvent such as toluene, benzene, xylene, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, methylene dichloride, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, or dimethylacetamide, but preferable is toluene or no solvent. The reaction time is preferably 1 to 24 hours. When the time is shorter than 1 hour, there is a possibility that the catalyst does not completely dissolved. When the time is longer than 24 hours, there is a possibility that the above decomposition reaction may occur.

With regard to the reaction temperature in the step (C2), when the temperature is lower than 50° C., the polymerization rate is low and heat history increases to result in a tendency to decrease the quality of the compound of the formula (pb). Moreover, when the temperature is higher than 130° C., side reactions such as vinyl etherification of the terminal end occur during the polymerization and thus the quality of the target compound tends to decrease. During the polymerization, as the molecular weight increases, the viscosity of the reaction liquid also increases, so that an aprotic solvent, preferably toluene may be optionally added.

As another production process in the step of alcoholation, the following step (C3) may be mentioned.

Step (C3): Sodium methoxide, potassium t-butoxide, or potassium methoxide, preferably sodium methoxide is added as an catalyst in an amount of 5 to 50% by mol and the reaction is carried out at 60 to 80° C. At that time, a pressure-reducing operation may be conducted in order to facilitate the exchange reaction.

The catalyst amount is preferably 5 to 50% by mol for the reason mentioned above. With regard to the reaction temperature, when the temperature is lower than 60° C., the conversion of the exchange reaction decreases and alcohols such as methanol remain, which leads to the formation of impurities having a molecular weight 0.5 time that of the target compound via addition polymerization of an alkylene oxide. When the temperature is higher than 80° C., a decomposition reaction occurs. The alcoholation reaction requires elevation of the temperature and the reaction time is desirably 1 to 3 hours since the decomposition reaction is apt to occur. When the time is shorter than 1 hour, there is a possibility that the conversion into the alcoholate decreases. When the time is longer than 3 hours, a decomposition reaction may occur. The reaction solvent is not particularly limited as far as it is an aprotic solvent, but preferable is toluene or no solvent.

The subsequent alkyl-etherification of the terminal end may be achieved by either of the following (1) or (2):

-   (1) a process of converting the terminal end of the polyalkylene     glycol chain into an alcoholate and reacting it with an alkyl     halide; -   (2) a process of activating the terminal hydroxyl group of the     polyalkylene glycol chain with methanesulfonyl chloride,     p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanesulfonyl chloride,     or the like, followed by the reaction with an alcoholate of an alkyl     alcohol.

Preferable is the process (2) and the following will describe it in more detail.

The production process (2) comprises the following steps (B1), (B2), and (B3).

-   Step (B1): a step of adding a dehalogenating agent and a compound     represented by the formula (6) to a compound represented by the     formula (pb) and reacting them at 20 to 60° C. to obtain a compound     of the formula (7). At that time, each charged molar ratio satisfies     the following relationship:     Vc≧Va     Vb>Vc -   Va: number of moles of the compound represented by the formula (pb) -   Vb: number of moles of the dehalogenating agent -   Vc: number of moles of the compound represented by the formula (6).

More preferable is the case that the molar ratio satisfies the following relationship: 20Va≧Vc≧2Va 4Vc>Vb>Vc.

When Vc is smaller than 2Va, the conversion decreases and thus some of the hydroxyl groups in the oxyalkylene chain terminal ends remain unchanged. Thereafter, a functional group is introduced to the remaining hydroxyl group to form a polyfunctional impurity having a molecular weight the same as that of the target compound. When such a polyfunctional impurity is present, it acts as a crosslinking agent at the combination with a bio-related substance to result in a tendency to decrease the purity of the resulting modified bio-related substance. When Vb is not larger than Vc, the conversion decreases owing to inefficient trapping of an acid which is produced as a by-product with the progress of the reaction, so that some of the hydroxyl groups in the oxyalkylene chain terminal ends remain unchanged. Moreover, when Vc is larger than 20Va or Vb is not smaller than 4Vc, an excess amount may be contained to cause side reactions.

The dehalogenating agent to be used includes organic bases such as triethylamine, pyridine, and 4-dimethylaminopyridine, and inorganic bases such as sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium acetate, potassium carbonate, and potassium hydroxide. Preferable dehydrochlorinating agent is an organic base such as triethylamine, pyridine, or 4-dimethylaminopyridine.

In the compound of the formula (6) to be used, W is preferably Cl or Br, and R¹ is preferably a methyl group, a phenyl group, or a p-methylphenyl group. More suitably, methanesulfonyl chloride where W is Cl and R¹ is a methyl group is most preferable.

The solvent to be used at that time is not particularly limited as far as it is an aprotic solvent and preferably includes toluene, benzene, xylene, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, methylene dichloride, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, or dimethylacetamide, but more preferable is toluene which enables azeotropic removal of water in the system. The amount of the solvent to be used at the reaction is preferably 0.5 equivalent weight to 10 equivalent weight to the compound of the formula (pb). In the case that the compound of the formula (pb) has a large molecular weight, the viscosity of the reaction liquid increases and the conversion decreases, so that it is preferable to dilute the reaction liquid with the solvent.

The reaction temperature is not particularly limited but is preferably 60° C. or lower for the purpose of inhibiting side reactions and is preferably 20° C. or higher for the purpose of inhibiting increase of the viscosity of the reaction liquid. The reaction time is preferably 1 to 24 hours. When the time is shorter than 1 hour, there is a possibility that the conversion is low. When the time is longer than 24 hours, there is a possibility that a side reaction may occur.

At the reaction, the operation of removing water from the starting materials, such as azeotropic removal of water may be carried out prior to the reaction. Moreover, an antioxidant such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT) may be added. Furthermore, a salt is formed with the progress of the reaction and the formation of the compound of the formula (7), but the reaction mixture may be used in the subsequent step as it is, or the salt may be removed by filtration, or after the filtration, the compound of the formula (7) may be purified by a purification means such as extraction, recrystallization, adsorption treatment, reprecipitation, column chromatography, or supercritical extraction.

Step (B2): a step of adding a compound represented by the formula (8) to the compound of the formula (7) and reacting them at 20 to 80° C. to obtain the compound of the formula (pc). At that time, each charged molar ratio satisfies the following relationship: Vd>Vc

-   Vd: number of moles of the compound represented by the formula (8).

More preferable is the case that the relationship: 10Vc>Vd>Vc is satisfied. R—OM  (8)

In the formula (8), R is as mentioned above and M is sodium or potassium, preferably sodium.

When Vd is not larger than Vc, the alkyl-etherification does not sufficiently proceed and a reactive group such as a mesylate group remains unchanged at the oxyalkylene chain terminal end. When a reactive group remains at the oxyalkylene chain terminal end, as mentioned above, a polyfunctional compound is formed and a serious side reaction is caused at the combination with a bio-related substance. Moreover, when Vd is not smaller than 10Vc, an excess of the alcoholate may be contained to cause side reactions in the subsequent process.

The solvent to be used in the reaction is not particularly limited as far as it is an aprotic solvent as mentioned above and is preferably toluene. The amount of the solvent to be used at the reaction is preferably an amount of 0.5 equivalent to 10 equivalents to the compound of the formula (7). In the case that the compound of the formula (7) has a large molecular weight, the viscosity of the reaction liquid increases, so that it is preferable to dilute the reaction liquid with the solvent.

The reaction temperature is not particularly limited but is preferably 80° C. or lower for the purpose of inhibiting side reactions and is preferably 20° C. or higher for the purpose of inhibiting increase of the viscosity of the reaction liquid. The reaction time is preferably 1 to 24 hours. When the time is shorter than 1 hour, there is a possibility that the conversion is low. When the time is longer than 24 hours, there is a possibility that a side reaction occurs. At the reaction, an operation of removing water from the starting materials, such as azeotropic removal of water may be carried out prior to the reaction.

Step (B3): a step of filtrating the reaction liquid or washing the reaction liquid with an aqueous inorganic salt solution having a concentration of 10% by weight or more.

In the step, the inorganic salt is not particularly limited but is preferably sodium chloride. When the concentration is less than 10% by weight, the target compound migrates into an aqueous layer to decrease the process yield remarkably. The operation of washing with water may be repeated several times. The step (B3) is carried out for removing starting materials excessively added and salts produced as by-products. The omission of the step may cause side reactions in the case that the steps (B1) to (B3) are again carried out in the next place. In the case that a debenzylation step is carried out as a next step, these impurities act as catalyst poisons and thus the conversion may be affected.

Moreover, in order to enhance the ratio of alkyl-etherification of the oxyalkylene chain terminal end, it is preferable to repeat the steps (B1) to (B3) again. When the ratio of alkyl-etherification of the oxyalkylene chain terminal end is low, as mentioned above, there is a possibility of forming a polyfunctional impurity.

The compound of the formula (pc) thus obtained may be purified by a purification means such as extraction, recrystallization, adsorption treatment, reprecipitation, column chromatography, or supercritical extraction.

The production of the compound (p) by successive debenzylation is not particularly limited but it can be produced by hydrogenation of the following step (A) using a hydrogenative reduction catalyst and a hydrogen donor.

Step (A): a step of subjecting the compound represented by the formula (pc) to a hydrogenative reduction reaction under the condition that the water content in the reaction system is 1% or less. When the water content in the reaction system is more than 1%, the decomposition reaction of the polyoxyalkylene chain occurs. Since polyalkylene glycol formed by the decomposition has a hydroxyl group, it is functionalized in the next step to form a reactive low-molecular-weight impurity. Such a reactive low-molecular-weight impurity reacts with a bio-related substance as mentioned above and thus tends to change the properties of the resulting preparation.

The hydrogenative reduction catalyst is preferably palladium. The support is not particularly limited but is preferably alumina or carbon, more preferably carbon. The amount of palladium is preferably 1 to 20% by weight based on the compound of the formula (4). When the amount is less than 1% by weight, the conversion of deprotection decreases and thus there is a possibility that the ratio of functionalization in the next step decreases. Moreover, when the amount is more than 20% by weight, the decomposition reaction of the polyalkylene glycol chain may occur and there is a possibility that the above reactive low-molecular-weight compound is produced as a by-product. The reaction solvent is not particularly limited as far as the water content in the reaction system is less than 1%, but preferably includes methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, and the like and more preferable is methanol. The hydrogen donor is not particularly limited but include hydrogen gas, cyclohexene, 2-propanol, and the like. The reaction temperature is preferably 40° C. or lower. When the temperature is higher than 40° C., the decomposition reaction of the polyalkylene glycol chain may occur and there is a possibility that the reactive low-molecular-weight compound is produced as a by-product. The reaction time is not particularly limited. When large amount of the catalyst is used, the reaction is completed within a short period of time. But, when the amount is small, a longer period of time is required. In general, the reaction time is preferably 1 to 5 hours. When the time is shorter than 1 hour, there is a possibility that the conversion is low. When it is longer than 5 hours, the decomposition reaction of the poly(alkylene glycol) may occur.

The resulting compound of the formula (p) may be purified by a purification means such as extraction, recrystallization, adsorption treatment, reprecipitation, column chromatography, or supercritical extraction.

The thus obtained compound is a polyalkylene glycol derivative represented by the following formula (p) and containing substantially no secondary hydroxyl group:

wherein R is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, OA² is an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, the groups represented by R are the same or different from each other in one molecule, the groups represented by OA² are the same or different from each other in one molecule, m is an average number of moles of the above oxyalkylene group added, and m represents 10 to 1000.

Since the compound of the formula (p) contains substantially no secondary hydroxyl group, the conversion of the subsequent functional group-introducing reaction is high and a highly pure polyalkylene glycol derivative can be obtained. In the case that a secondary hydroxyl group is present, the conversion of the subsequent functional group-introducing reaction is low and the purity of the modified bio-related substance decreases, so that there may arise the problem of contamination of the drug or the like with an impurity.

The compound (p) thus obtained has a low content of the impurities having a hydroxyl group at the terminal end of the polyoxyalkylene chain shown below.

-   (A): an impurity having a hydroxyl group and a molecular weight 0.5     time that of the compound (p), which is formed by decomposition of     the compound of the formula (pa) at the alcoholation, addition     polymerization of an alkylene oxide to the resulting benzyl alcohol,     and deprotection of benzyl group in the subsequent step; -   (B): an impurity having a remaining hydroxyl group at 2- or     3-position and a molecular weight the same as that of the compound     (p), which is formed at the alkyl-etherification of the compound of     the formula (pb); -   (C): an impurity having a hydroxyl group and a low molecular weight,     which is formed by decomposition of the polyoxyalkylene chain at the     debenzylation of the compound of the formula (pc).

When a functional group is introduced using a compound (p) containing a large amount of impurities (A), (B), and (C), impurities of the reactive polyalkylene glycol derivatives shown below are contained.

-   (D): a reactive polyalkylene glycol derivative having a 0.5 time     molecular weight, wherein a functional group is introduced into the     impurity shown in the above (A); -   (E): a bifunctional or trifunctional reactive polyalkylene glycol     derivative having the same molecular weight, wherein a functional     group is introduced into the impurity shown in the above (B); -   (F): a low-molecular-weight reactive polyalkylene glycol derivative,     wherein a functional group is introduced into the impurity shown in     the above (C).

The following shows the reaction pathways to the compound (p).

The following will describe the introduction of a reactive group into the hydroxyl group of the compound (p) formed by the debenzylation reaction but the other known processes may be used for synthesis.

(Process for Producing (a))

The amine compound (a) can be obtained by adding the compound (p) to acrylonitrile or the like using an inorganic base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in a solvent such as water or acetonitrile to obtain a nitrile compound and then subjecting it to hydrogenation of the nitrile group in the presence of a nickel or palladium catalyst in an autoclave. The ratio of the inorganic base to be used for obtaining the nitrile compound is not particularly limited but is preferably 0.01 to 50% by weight to the compound (p). The ratio of acrylonitrile or the like to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably 0.5 to 5 equivalent weight, more preferably 1 to 4 equivalent weight to the weight of the compound (p). Moreover, acrylonitrile may be used as a solvent. The reaction temperature is preferably −50 to 100° C., more preferably −20 to 60° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 24 hours. The reaction solvent in the subsequent hydrogenation reaction of the nitrile compound is not particularly limited as far as it does not participate in the reaction, but is preferably toluene. The ratio of the nickel or palladium catalyst to be used is not particularly limited but is 0.05 to 30% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 20% by weight to the nitrile compound. The reaction temperature is preferably 20 to 200° C., more preferably 50 to 150° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 24 hours. The hydrogen pressure is preferably 2 to 10 MPa, more preferably 3 to 8 MPa. Moreover, in order to prevent dimerization, ammonia may be added to the reaction system. In the case of adding ammonia, ammonia pressure is not particularly limited but is 0.1 to 10 MPa, more preferably 0.3 to 2 MPa. The compound formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means.

(Process for Producing (d))

By reacting the compound (p) with an organic base such as triethylamine, pyridine, or 4-dimethylaminopyridine or an inorganic base such as sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium acetate, potassium carbonate, or potassium hydroxide and any one of the compounds represented by the following general formula (d1) in an aprotic solvent such as toluene, benzene, xylene, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, t-butyl methyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, methylene dichloride, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, or dimethylacetamide or without any solvent, the compound (d) can be synthesized. Moreover, the above organic base or inorganic base need not be used. The ratio of the organic base or inorganic base to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more to the compound (p). Furthermore, an organic base may be used as a solvent. W in (d1) is a halogen atom selected from Cl, Br and L and is preferably Cl. The ratio of the compounds represented by the general formula (d1) to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 50 molar to the compound (p). The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 300° C., more preferably 20 to 150° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 24 hours. The compound formed may be purified by a purification means such as extraction, recrystallization, adsorption treatment, reprecipitation, column chromatography, or supercritical extraction.

wherein W is a halogen atom selected from Cl, Br, and I. (Process for Producing (c) and (h))

The succinimide compound (c) can be obtained by reacting the compound (p) with a dicarboxylic acid anhydride such as succinic anhydride or glutaric anhydride to obtain a carboxyl compound (h), followed by condensation with N-hydroxysuccinimide in the presence of a condensing agent such as DCC or EDC. The reaction of the compound (p) with a dicarboxylic acid anhydride is carried out in the aforementioned aprotic solvent or without any solvent. The ratio of the dicarboxylic acid anhydride to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 5 molar to the compound (p). The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 200° C., more preferably 20 to 150° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 12 hours. In the reaction, an organic base such as triethylamine, pyridine, or dimethylaminopyridine or an inorganic base such as sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium acetate, potassium carbonate, or potassium hydroxide may be used as a catalyst. The ratio of the catalyst to be used is preferably 0.1 to 50% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 20% by weight. The carboxyl compound (h) thus formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means or may be used as it is in the next condensation reaction.

The subsequent condensation reaction is also carried out in the aforementioned aprotic solvent or without any solvent. The condensing agent is not particularly limited but is preferably DCC. The ratio of DCC to be used is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 5 molar to the compound (h). The ratio of N-hydroxysuccinimide to be used is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 5 molar to the compound (h). The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 100° C., more preferably 20 to 80° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 12 hours. The compound formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means.

Moreover, the compound (c) can be, for example, produced by the following process. It can be obtained by reacting the compound (p) with N,N′-disuccinimidyl carbonate. The reaction of the compound (p) with N,N′-disuccinimidyl carbonate is carried out in the aforementioned aprotic solvent or without any solvent. The ratio of N,N′-disuccinimidyl carbonate to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 20 molar to the compound (p). The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 200° C., more preferably 20 to 150° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 12 hours. In the reaction, an organic base such as triethylamine, pyridine, or dimethylaminopyridine or an inorganic base such as sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium acetate, potassium carbonate, or potassium hydroxide may be used as a catalyst. The ratio of the catalyst to be used is preferably 0.1 to 50% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 20% by weight. The compound (c) thus formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means.

(Process for Producing (b))

Furthermore, the maleimide compound (b) can be obtained by reacting the resulting amine (a) with maleic anhydride in the aforementioned aprotic solvent or without any solvent to obtain an maleimide compound and then subjecting it to a ring closure reaction using acetic anhydride or sodium acetate as a catalyst. The ratio of maleic anhydride to be used in the maleamidation reaction is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 5 molar to the compound (p). The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 200° C., more preferably 20 to 120° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 12 hours. The maleimide compound formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means or may be used as it is in the next ring closure reaction.

The reaction solvent in the subsequent ring closure reaction is not particularly limited but is preferably aprotic solvent or acetic anhydride. The ratio of sodium acetate to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 50 molar to the maleimide compound. The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 200° C., more preferably 20 to 150° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 12 hours. The compound formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means.

The maleimide compound (b) can be also obtained by reacting the compound of the following formula (b1) with the aforementioned amine (a). The reaction is carried out in the aforementioned aprotic solvent or without any solvent and the compound (b1) is added in an amount of equimolar or more to the amine (a), followed by reaction. The ratio of (b1) to be used is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 5 molar to (a). The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 200° C., more preferably 20 to 80° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 12 hours. During the reaction, light shielding may be conducted. The compound formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means.

wherein Q represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms. (Process for Producing (i))

The mercapto compound (i) can be obtained by reacting the compound (p) with methanesulfonyl chloride in the presence of a base to effect mesylation, followed by the reaction with a thiol-forming agent such as thiourea. The reaction solvent in the mesylation reaction is preferably the above aprotic solvent or without any solvent. The base is preferably an organic base such as triethylamine, pyridine, or 4-dimethylaminopyridine or an inorganic base such as sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium acetate, potassium carbonate, or potassium hydroxide. The ratio of the organic base or inorganic base to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more to the compound (p). Also, the organic base may be used as a solvent. The ratio of methanesulfonyl chloride to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 50 molar to the compound (p). The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 300° C., more preferably 20 to 150° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 24 hours. The compound formed may be purified by a purification means such as extraction, recrystallization, adsorption treatment, reprecipitation, column chromatography, or supercritical extraction.

The thiol-formation reaction is carried out in a solvent such as water, an alcohol, or acetonitrile or without any solvent. The ratio of thiourea to be used is equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 50 molar to the mesylated compound. The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 300° C., more preferably 20 to 150° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 24 hours. After completion of the reaction, the mercapto compound can be obtained by subjecting the resulting thiazolium salt to alkali hydrolysis. The compound formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means.

Moreover, the above mercapto compound can be also obtained by reacting the mesylated compound with the following compound (i1), followed by decomposition with a primary amine. The reaction of the mesylated compound with the compound (i1) is carried out in the aforementioned aprotic solvent or without any solvent. The ratio of the compound (i1) to be used is equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 50 molar to the compound (p). The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 300° C., more preferably 20 to 80° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 24 hours. The subsequent alkali decomposition with a primary amine is carried out in the aforementioned aprotic solvent or without any solvent. The primary amine to be used is not particularly limited but preferably includes ammonia, methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, butylamine, pentylamine, hexylamine, cyclohexylamine, ethanolamine, propanolamine, butanolamine, and the like. Naturally, the primary amine may be used as a solvent. The compound formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means.

(Process for Producing (e))

A haloacetyl compound (e) can be, for example, synthesized by the following process. It can be obtained by reacting the compound (p) or the compound (a) with an organic base such as triethylamine, pyridine, or dimethylaminopyridine or an inorganic base such as sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium acetate, potassium carbonate, or potassium hydroxide and a compound represented by the following general formula (e1) in an aprotic solvent such as toluene, benzene, xylene, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, t-butyl methyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, methylene dichloride, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, or dimethylacetamide, or without any solvent. The ratio of the organic base or inorganic base to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more to the compound (p) or (a). Furthermore, an organic base may be used as a solvent. When the compound (a) is used, the above organic base or inorganic base may not be used. W¹ in (e1) is a halogen atom selected from Cl, Br, and I, and is preferably I. Moreover, W¹s may be the same or different from each other. The ratio of the compounds represented by the general formula (e1) to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 50 molar to the compound (p) or (a). The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 300° C., more preferably 20 to 150° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 24 hours. The compound formed may be purified by a purification means such as extraction, recrystallization, adsorption treatment, reprecipitation, column chromatography, or supercritical extraction.

(Process for Producing (f))

The compound (f) can be, for example, prepared by the following process. The hydrazine derivative of (f) can be obtained by condensing the compound (h) with the following compound (f1) in the presence of a condensing agent such as DCC, EDC, or BOP [(benzotriazolyloxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate]. The reaction of the compound (h) with (f1) is carried out in the above aprotic solvent or without any solvent. The ratio of (f1) to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 5 molar to the compound (h). The condensing agent is not particularly limited but is preferably DCC, EDC, or BOP. The ratio of the condensing agent to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 5 molar to the compound (h). The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 100° C., more preferably 20 to 80° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 12 hours. The compound formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means. NH₂NH—Boc  (f1) wherein the Boc group means a t-butoxycarbonyl group.

Subsequent deprotection of the Boc group can be carried out by a known method. The compound (t) synthesized may be purified by the aforementioned purification means.

(Process for Producing (g))

The compound (g) can be, for example, prepared by the following process. The hydroxylamine derivative of (g) can be obtained by condensing the compound (p) or (a) with the following compound (g1) in the presence of a condensing agent such as DCC, EDC, or BOP [(benzotriazolyloxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate]. The reaction of the compound (p) or (a) with (g1) is carried out in the above aprotic solvent or without any solvent. The ratio of (g1) to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 5 molar to the compound (p) or (a). The condensing agent is not particularly limited but is preferably DCC, EDC, or BOP. The ratio of the condensing agent to be used is not particularly limited but is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 5 molar to the compound (p) or (a). The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 100° C., more preferably 20 to 80° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 12 hours. The compound formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means.

Subsequent deprotection of the Boc group can be carried out by a known method. The compound (g) synthesized may be purified by the aforementioned purification means.

(Process for Producing (j))

The aldehyde compound (j) can be obtained by reacting the mesylated product of the compound (p) with an acetal compound (j1) to obtain an acetal compound and then subjecting it to hydrolysis under an acidic condition. The production of the mesylated compound is as shown in the production process of (i). The acetalization reaction can be achieved by the reacting with an equimolar or more, preferably an equimolar to 50 molar of a (j1) to the mesylated compound in the aforementioned aprotic solvent or without any solvent. (j1) can be prepared from the corresponding alcohol using sodium, potassium, sodium hydride, potassium hydride, sodium methoxide, potassium t-butoxide, or the like. The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 300° C., more preferably 20 to 150° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 24 hours.

In the case of using (j2), an acetal compound can be obtained by converting the hydroxyl group of the compound (p) into an alcoholate by the aforementioned process and then reacting it with an equimolar or more, preferably an equimolar to 100 molar of (j2) in the aforementioned aprotic solvent or without any solvent. The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 300° C., more preferably 20 to 150° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 24 hours.

In the case of using (j3), an acetal compound can be obtained by reacting (j3) with (c), (d), or (h). The production of (c), (d), or (h) is as mentioned above. In the reaction with (j3), the solvent is not particularly limited but the reaction is preferably carried out in the aforementioned aprotic solvent. The charging ratio of (j3) is preferably equimolar or more, more preferably equimolar to 10 molar to (c), (d), or (h). The reaction temperature is preferably −30 to 200° C., more preferably 0 to 150° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 24 hours. In the case of using (h), a condensing agent such as DCC or EDC may be optionally used. Any acetalization reaction may be carried out under light shielding. The acetal compound thus obtained may be purified by the aforementioned purification means or may be used as it is in the next aldehyde-formation reaction.

The aldehyde compound can be produced by dissolving the acetal compound to form a 0.1 to 50% aqueous solution and hydrolyzing it in an aqueous solution which is adjusted to pH 1 to 4 with an acid such as acetic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, or hydrochloric acid. The reaction temperature is preferably −20 to 100° C., more preferably 0 to 80° C. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 24 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 10 hours. The reaction may be carried out under light shielding. The compound formed may be purified by the aforementioned purification means.

wherein R² and R³ are each a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and may be the same or different from each other, and they may together form a ring; M is sodium or potassium; W² is a halogen atom selected from Cl, Br, and I; and t is an integer of 1 to 5.

In the polyalkylene glycol derivative represented by the formula (1) thus obtained, an amount of ionic functional group-containing impurities other than the target compound, i.e., reactive impurities is 1% or less, more preferably 0.5% or less, further preferably 0.2% or less in a chromatogram obtained by analysis by liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column.

FIG. 3 is a model chart of a chromatogram obtained by liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column.

In the liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column, a molecule may interact with the column depending on the charge of the molecule and a molecule having a larger charge elutes more slowly. Namely, in FIG. 3, a first eluting peak A shows a compound having a non-ionic functional group, a peak B shows a target compound, a peak C shows a reactive impurity having a molecular weight 0.5 time that of the target compound, and a peak D shows a bifunctional reactive impurity having the same molecular weight as that of the target compound. Namely, in the chromatogram of FIG. 3, ionic functional group-containing impurities other than the target compound are shown by the peaks C and D.

Accordingly, the amount (%) of the ionic functional group-containing impurities other than the target compound is calculated by the following expression. (Area of peak C+Area of peak D)/(Total peak area)×100

In the case that an elution position is unknown, the compound can be suitably identified using an authentic sample.

In the case that the target compound has no ionic functional group, the compound is measured after it is reacted with a labeling agent having an ionic functional group. For example, in the case of (b) in the group I, it can be measured after labeled by the reaction with mercaptopropionic acid to convert a functional group into a carboxyl group. Moreover, in the case of (d) in the group (I), it can be measured after labeled by the reaction with glycine to convert a functional group into a carboxyl group.

When the amount of the reactive impurities is larger than 1%, a reaction product with a bio-related substance becomes heterogeneous, which influences performance of the resulting modified bio-related substance.

In the invention, the liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column is measured under the following conditions:

-   (In the case that an amine compound in the group I(a) is measured) -   HPLC apparatus: Alliance2695 (Nihon Waters K.K.); column: TSK-gel     SP-5PW (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation); eluent: sodium phosphate     buffer solution (pH 6.5); column temperature: 40° C.; flow rate: 0.5     ml/min; detector: differential refractometer detector (RI) (Nihon     Waters K.K.); sample concentration: 5 mg/ml; injection amount: 20     μl. -   (In the case that a carboxyl compound in the group I(h) is measured) -   HPLC apparatus: Alliance2695 (Nihon Waters K.K.); column: ES-502N     (Asahipak); eluent: ammonium formate buffer solution (pH 8.0);     column temperature: 30° C.; flow rate: 1.0 ml/min; detector:     differential refractometer detector (RI) (Nihon Waters K.K.); sample     concentration: 10 mg/ml; injection amount: 20 μl.

In the (b) in the group I of the polyalkylene glycol derivative of the formula (1) of the invention, when a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum is obtained as a deuterated methanol solution, an integral value M1 detected at around 6.84 ppm, which is originated from the maleimide group derived from the hydroxyl group at the 1-position directly bonded to the glycerin skeleton in the case that n is 0, and an integral value M2 detected at around 6.84 ppm, which is originated from the maleimide group derived from the hydroxyl group of the polyalkylene glycol chain satisfy a relationship: M2/(M1+M2)×100≦2. More preferably, they satisfy a relationship: M2/(M1+M2)×100≦1. Further preferably, they satisfy a relationship: M2/(M1+M2)×100≦5.

The following will illustrate the calculation method of M1 and M2. Twenty milligrams of (b) in the group I is dissolved in deuterated methanol and a ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum is measured. An integral value detected at around 6.84 ppm is defined as M1, which is originated from the maleimide group derived from the hydroxyl group at the 1-position directly bonded to the glycerin skeleton in the case that n is 0, a TMS standard peak being defined as 0 ppm. Moreover, an integral value detected at around 6.84 ppm, which is originated from the maleimide group derived from the oxyalkylene chain end or the polyalkylene glycol chain formed by decomposition is defined as M2.

In the case that M2/(M1+M2)×100, which is derived from M1 and M2 thus determined, is larger than 2, since impurity having a 0.5 time molecular weight, bifunctional and trifunctional impurities having the same molecular weight, low-molecular-weight impurities, and the like are contained in large amounts, purity of the modified bio-related substance tends to decrease.

According to the invention, there can be obtained a novel branched polyalkylene glycol derivative having a reactive group capable of being combined with a bio-related substance at the primary carbon at the 1-position of the glycerin skeleton and having polyalkylene glycol chains at 2- and 3-positions. Moreover, a bio-related substance modified with the branched polyalkylene glycol derivative can be obtained. The bio-related substance is formed by ether bonds only except for the linker part with the poly(alkylene glycol)oxy group, so that a high stability can be expected with no decomposition into a single chain. Therefore, by modifying a bio-related substance with the branched polyalkylene glycol, a bio-related substance exhibiting an improved behavior in a body can be provided.

EXAMPLES

The following will describe the present invention more specifically with reference to Examples. In this regard, ¹H-NMR, GPC, and liquid chromatography were employed for analyzing and identifying the compounds in Examples.

<Method for ¹H-NMR Analysis>

At ¹H-NMR analysis, JNM-ECP400 manufactured by Nippon Denshi Datum K.K was employed. The integral values in NMR data are theoretical values.

(Method for GPC Analysis):

At GPC analysis, LC10AVP was employed as a GPC system and measurement was carried out under the following conditions: column: PLgel MIXED-D (manufactured by Polymer Raboratory) two columns; developing solvent: DMF (containing 10 mM lithium bromide); flow rate: 0.7 ml/min; column temperature: 65° C.; detector: RI; sample amount: 1 mg/mL, 100 μl.

At analysis of an aldehyde compound, measurement was carried out under the following conditions:

-   system: Alliance2695 (Nihon Waters K.K.); developing solvent: 100 mM     sodium acetate buffer (pH=5.2, containing 0.02% NaN₃); flow rate:     0.5 ml/min; column: Ultahydrogel500+Ultlahydrogel250 2 columns;     column temperature: 30° C.; detector: RI; sample amount: 5 mg/mL, 20     μl.

In GPC data, analysis values at main peaks which are obtained by cutting elution curves perpendicular to base lines at inflection points to remove high-molecular-weight impurities and low-molecular-weight impurities and analysis values over whole peaks from start points of elution to end points of elution were included.

Mn represents a number average molecular weight, Mw represents a weight average molecular weight, and MP represents a peak top molecular weight.

(Analytic Method for Liquid Chromatography):

The liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column is measured under the following conditions:

-   (In the case that an amine compound is measured) -   HPLC apparatus: Alliance2695 (Nihon Waters K.K.); column: TSK-gel     SP-5PW (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation); eluent: sodium phosphate     buffer (pH 6.5); column temperature: 40° C.; flow rate: 0.5 ml/min;     detector: differential refractometer detector (RI) (Nihon Waters     K.K.); sample concentration: 5 mg/ml; injection amount: 20 μl. -   (In the case that a carboxyl compound is measured) -   HPLC apparatus: Alliance2695 (Nihon Waters K.K.); column: ES-502N     (Asahipak); eluent: ammonium formate buffer (pH 8.0); column     temperature: 30° C.; flow rate: 1.0 ml/min; detector: differential     refractometer detector (RI) (Nihon Waters K.K.); sample     concentration: 10 mg/ml; injection amount: 20 μl.

Example 1 Synthesis of Compound (p) Synthesis of R=Methyl Group, A²O=Oxyethylene Group, m=223, and m=475 Example 1-1

To a 1000 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, and a stirrer were added 132.2 g (1.0 mol) of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol, 202.5 g (1.05 mol) of a 28% methanol solution of sodium methoxide, and 600 ml of toluene. With introducing nitrogen thereinto, the toluene was refluxed under reduced pressure for 1 hour to remove the methanol by distillation. With maintaining the solution at 80° C., 126.6 g (1.0 mol) of benzyl chloride was added dropwise over a period of 2 hours using a dropping funnel, followed by further 2 hours of reaction. After completion of the reaction, the temperature was lowered to 60° C. and 10 g of KYOWAAD 600 was added thereto, followed by 1 hour of stirring. The reaction liquid was filtrated, the solvent was removed, and the residue was purified by distillation (b.p. 93-95° C./266 Pa) to obtain 4-(benzyloxymethyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 1.36, 1.42 (3H, 3H, s, C(CH₃ )₂), 3.45-3.57 (2H, m, CH₂ O—C(CH₃)₂), 3.73-3.76 (1H, m, CHO—C(CH₃)₂), 4.03-4.07, 4.28-4.32 (2H, m, CH₂ O—CH₂Ph), 4.57 (2H, q, —CH₂ Ph), 7.15-7.40 (5H, m, —CH₂ Ph) (Ph represents a phenyl group)

Example 1-2

To 222 g (1.0 mol) of 4-(benzyloxymethyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane was added 350 g of distilled water, and the whole was adjusted to pH 2 with phosphoric acid. With introducing nitrogen thereinto, the solution was heated to 70° C. After 2 hours of reaction, the solution was adjusted to pH 7.0 with sodium hydroxide. After 1 L of chloroform was added thereto and extraction was effected, the resulting chloroform layer was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated and the resulting salts were removed by filtrating the condensate to obtain a compound (pa) which was 3-benzyloxy-1,2-propanediol.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.50-3.71 (4H, m, CH₂ OH, CH₂ O—CH₂Ph), 3.86-3.91 (1H, m, CHOH), 4.54 (2H, m, —CH₂ Ph), 7.27-7.38 (5H, m, —CH₂ Ph).

Example 1-3

To a 300 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, and a pressure-reducing line were added 27.3 g (0.15 mol) of 3-benzyloxy-1,2-propanediol, 200 g of dry toluene, and 0.76 g of sodium. With introducing nitrogen thereinto, the whole was heated to 35° C. to dissolve sodium. The solution was charged into a 5 L autoclave thoroughly dried beforehand and the atmosphere was replaced by nitrogen, followed by heating to 100° C. Then, 3100 g of ethylene oxide was added thereto at 100 to 150° C. under a pressure of 1 MPa or lower, followed by continuation of the reaction for another 1.5 hours. Unreacted ethylene oxide gas and toluene were removed by distillation under reduced pressure, and then the whole was cooled to 70° C. After 2.0 kg of the reaction liquid was taken out of the autoclave, the liquid was adjusted to pH 7.5 with 85% aqueous phosphoric acid solution to obtain the following compound (p1).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.40-3.80 (1789H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)H, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)H, CH₂ OCH₂Ph), 4.54 (2H, s, —CH₂ Ph), 7.27-7.38 (5H, m, —CH₂ Ph).

Example 1-4

Into a 2 L round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, a Dean-stark tube, and a condenser tube were added 200 g (10 mmol) of the above compound (p1) and 1000 g of toluene, and the whole was heated under reflux to effect azeotropic removal of 200 g of toluene and water. After cooling to room temperature, 4.05 g (40 mmol) of triethylamine was added thereto and, after heating to 40° C., 3.44 g (30 mmol) of methanesulfonyl chloride was added dropwise thereto, followed by 3 hours of reaction at 40° C. After the reaction was finished, 19.28 g (50 mmol) of 28% methanol solution of sodium methoxide was added thereto, followed by 3 hours of reaction at 40° C. The pressure was reduced with maintaining the reaction liquid at 40° C. and about 200 g of a mixed liquid of methanol/toluene was removed by evaporation, and then salts were removed by filtration. Then, 500 g of toluene was added to the filtrate and the resulting filtrate was transferred into a 2 L round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, a Dean-stark tube, and a condenser tube, followed by heating under reflux to effect azeotropic removal of 200 g of toluene and water. After cooling to room temperature, 4.05 g (40 mmol) of triethylamine was added thereto and, after heating to 40° C., 3.44 g (30 mmol) of methanesulfonyl chloride was again added dropwise thereto, followed by 3 hours of reaction at 40° C. After completion of the reaction, 19.28 g (100 mmol) of 28% methanol solution of sodium methoxide was added thereto, followed by 3 hours of reaction at 40° C. The pressure was reduced with maintaining the reaction liquid at 40° C. and about 200 g of a mixed liquid of methanol/toluene was removed by distillation, followed by removal of salts by filtration. The filtrate was heated to 50° C. and 200 g of 25% aqueous sodium chloride solution was added thereto. After stirring, the whole was left on standing to separate into layers and the lower water layer was removed. This operation of washing with water was repeated twice. The upper toluene layer was dried over magnesium sulfate and then filtrated and 1 L of ethyl acetate was added to the filtrate. Hexane was added thereto until crystals were precipitated. The crystals were collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following compound (p2).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃), 3.40-3.80 (1789H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CH₂ OCH₂Ph), 4.54 (2H, s, —CH₂ Ph), 7.27-7.38 (5H, m, —CH₂ Ph).

Example 1-5

Water removal of palladium carbon was carried out by adding 120 g of 5% palladium carbon (50% hydrous product, manufactured by N. E. M. Cat.) into a pressure filter and replacing the solvent by 500 ml of dry methanol four times with replacement of the atmosphere by nitrogen. Into a 2 L round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, and a condenser tube were added 100 g of the above compound (p2), and the whole amount of the palladium-carbon subjected to solvent replacement. After the replacement by nitrogen, 1200 ml of dry methanol and 500 ml of cyclohexene were added thereto and the whole was heated to 30° C. to be allowed to react for 3.5 hours. The reaction liquid was filtrated and the filtrate was concentrated. Then, 1 L of ethyl acetate was added and hexane was added thereto until crystals were precipitated. The resulting crystals were collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following compound (p3).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (1789H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CH₂ OH).

Example 1-6

In Example 1-3, the autoclave where about 1 kg of the reaction liquid remained was replaced with nitrogen and was heated to 120° C. Then, 1190 g of ethylene oxide was added thereto at 100 to 150° C. under a pressure of 1 MPa or lower, followed by continuation of the reaction for another 4 hours. After completion of the reaction, unreacted ethylene oxide gas was removed with introducing nitrogen gas into a reaction liquid and then the whole was cooled to 80° C. and the liquid was adjusted to pH 7.5 with 85% aqueous phosphoric acid solution to obtain the following compound (p4).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.40-3.80 (3805H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)H, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)H, CH₂ OCH₂Ph), 4.54 (2H, s, —CH₂ Ph), 7.27-7.38 (5H, m, —CH₂ Ph)

Example 1-7

Into a 2 L round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, a Dean-stark tube, and a condenser tube were added 252 g (6 mmol) of the above compound (p4) and 1000 g of toluene, and the whole was heated under reflux to effect azeotropic removal of 200 g of toluene and water. After cooling to room temperature, 2.43 g (24 mmol) of triethylamine was added thereto and, after heating to 40° C., 2.06 g (18 mmol) of methanesulfonyl chloride was added dropwise thereto, followed by 3 hours of reaction at 40° C. After completion of the reaction, 6.94 g (36 mmol) of 28% methanol solution of sodium methoxide was added thereto, followed by 3 hours of reaction at 40° C. The pressure was reduced with maintaining the reaction liquid at 40° C. and about 200 g of a mixed liquid of methanol/toluene was removed by distillation, followed by removal of salts by filtration. Then, 500 g of toluene was added to the resulting filtrate and the resulting mixture was transferred into a 2 L round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, a Dean-stark tube, and a condenser tube, followed by heating under reflux to effect azeotropic removal of 200 g of toluene and water. After cooling to room temperature, 2.43 g (24 mmol) of triethylamine was added thereto and, after heating to 40° C., 2.06 g (18 mmol) of methanesulfonyl chloride was again added dropwise thereto, followed by 3 hours of reaction at 40° C. After completion of the reaction 6.94 g (36 mmol) of 28% methanol solution of sodium methoxide was added thereto, followed by 3 hours of reaction at 40° C. The pressure was reduced with maintaining the reaction liquid at 40° C. and about 200 g of a mixed liquid of methanol/toluene was removed by distillation, followed by removal of salts by filtration. The filtrate was heated to 50° C. and 200 g of 25% aqueous sodium chloride solution was added thereto. After stirring, the whole was left on standing to separate into layers and the lower water layer was removed. This operation of washing with water was repeated twice. The upper toluene layer was dried over magnesium sulfate and then filtrated and 1 L of ethyl acetate was added to the filtrate. Hexane was added thereto until crystals were precipitated. The crystals were collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following compound (p5).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (3805H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CH₂ OCH₂Ph), 4.54 (2H, s, —CH₂ Ph), 7.27-7.38 (5H, m, —CH₂ Ph).

Example 1-8

Water removal of palladium carbon was carried out by adding 200 g of 5% palladium carbon (50% hydrous product, manufactured by N. E. M. Cat.) into a pressure filter and replacing the solvent by 500 ml of dry methanol four times with replacement of the atmosphere by nitrogen. Into a 2 L round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, and a condenser tube were added 100 g of the above compound (p5) and the whole amount of the palladium-carbon subjected to solvent replacement. After the replacement by nitrogen, 1200 ml of dry methanol and 500 ml of cyclohexene were added thereto and the whole was heated to 30° C. to be allowed to react for 3.5 hours. The reaction liquid was filtrated and the filtrate was concentrated. Then, 1 L of ethyl acetate was added and hexane was added thereto until crystals were precipitated. The resulting crystals were collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following compound (p6).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (38051H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CH₂ OH).

Example 2 Synthesis of Amino Compound (Group I(a)) R=Methyl Group, A²O=Oxyethylene Group, m=475 Example 2-1

Into a 500 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, and a condenser tube was added 52.4 g of the above compound (p6). Then, 52.4 g of ion-exchanged water and 3.3 g of 50% aqueous potassium hydroxide solution were added thereto, and the whole was heated to 40° C. to dissolve them with nitrogen bubbling. After dissolution, the solution was cooled to 10° C. or lower and 146 g of acrylonitrile was added dropwise over a period of 2 hours with maintaining a temperature of 5 to 10° C. After the dropwise addition, the reaction was continued for another 2 hours. The nitrogen bubbling was continued during the reaction. Then, 19.5 g of 8.5% aqueous phosphoric acid solution was added dropwise, followed by neutralization of the reaction liquid. Subsequently, 90 g of ion-exchanged water, 116 g of ethyl acetate, and 12 g of hexane were added to the reaction liquid and, after 10 minutes of stirring, the whole was left on standing for 20 minutes. The upper ethyl acetate layer was removed with suction by means of a peristaltic pump. Subsequently, 116 g of ethyl acetate was added thereto and, after stirred for 10 minutes, the whole was left on standing for 20 minutes. The upper ethyl acetate layer was removed with suction by means of a peristaltic pump. The extraction with ethyl acetate was repeated eight times. After completion of the extraction, 31 g of sodium chloride was added to the aqueous layer and dissolved therein, and then the solution was extracted with 300 g of chloroform. The resulting chloroform layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtrated, and then concentrated. Thereafter, 460 g of ethyl acetate was added to the concentrate, which was dissolved therein. Then, hexane was added thereto until crystals were precipitated. The crystals were collected by filtration and dispersed in 230 g of hexane. The crystals were again collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following nitrile compound (p7).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 2.59-2.66 (2H, m, —CH₂ CH₂CN), 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (3807H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂ CN).

Example 2-2

To a 1 L autoclave were added 50 g of the nitrile compound of the formula (p7), 400 g of toluene, 4.51 g of nickel (manufactured by N. E. M. Cat., 5136p), 0.89 g of 28% aqueous ammonia, and 0.05 g of BHT. After replacement of the atmosphere with nitrogen, the autoclave was pressured with nitrogen until the inner pressure reached 0.3 MPa. Subsequently, the autoclave was pressurized with hydrogen until the inner pressure reached 3.5 MPa. Then, the autoclave was heated to 130° C. and pressurized with hydrogen until the inner pressure reached 4.0 MPa, followed by 3 hours of reaction at 130° C. After completion of the reaction, the reaction liquid was cooled to 70° C., and purge with nitrogen was repeated three times. The whole amount of the reaction liquid was taken out and, after removal of water by dispersing 80 g of magnesium sulfate, the mixture was filtrated to remove the nickel catalyst. After the filtrate was concentrated to about 300 ml and cooled to room temperature, hexane was added until crystals were precipitated. The crystals were collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following amine compound (p8).

¹H-NMR (D₂O, internal standard: H₂O=4.7 ppm) δ (ppm): 1.82-1.90 (2H, m, —CH₂CH₂ CH₂ NH₂), 2.90-2.97 (2H, m, —CH₂ CH₂ CH₂NH₂), 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (3807H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂CH₂NH₂).

<main peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 41514, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 42234, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.017, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 41826;

<whole peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 40259, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 41826, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.039, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 42525.

Low-molecular-weight impurities: 2.82%

Example 2-3

When the compound of the formula (p8) was analyzed on a liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column (concentration of sodium phosphate buffer solution: 0.2 mM), any ionic functional group-containing impurity other than the target compound was not detected.

Example 3-1 Synthesis of Maleimide Compound (Group I(b)) R=Methyl Group, A²O=Oxyethylene Group, m=475

Into a 300 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, and a condenser tube were added 20 g (0.44 mmol) of the compound (p8), 16 g of acetonitrile, and 104 ml of toluene, and the whole was heated at 40° C. to dissolve them. After cooling to room temperature, 0.24 g (2.37 mmol) of N-methylmorpholine and 190 mg (0.71 mmol) of N-succinimidyl 3-maleimidopropionate were added thereto under light shielding, followed by 3.5 hours of reaction. After filtration of the reaction liquid, 360 g of ethyl acetate was added and 264 g of hexane was added thereto to precipitate crystals. The crystals were collected by filtration and 16 g of acetonitrile and 365 g of ethyl acetate were added. After dissolution under heating, 268 g of hexane was added to precipitate crystals. The crystallization operation was again performed. Then, the crystals were collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following compound (p9). The series of the crystallization operations were carried out under light shielding.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 1.70-1.78 (2H, m, —CH₂ CH₂ CH₂N), 2.45-2.53 (2H, m, —NHCOCH₂ CH₂N), 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃), 3.40-3.80 (3811H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂ CH₂ NHCOCH₂ CH₂ ), 6.44 (1H, m, NHCO), 6.71 (2H, s, —CH═CH—).

<main peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 40886, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 41597, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.017, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 41928;

<whole peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 39853, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 41562, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.043, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 41928.

Low-molecular-weight impurities: 2.84%

Example 3-2

Twenty milligrams of the compound of the formula (p9) was dissolved in 2 ml of aqueous mercaptopropionic acid solution (1 mg/ml). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours under light shielding. When the solution was analyzed on a liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column (concentration of ammonium formate buffer solution: 0.3 mM), any ionic functional group-containing impurity other than the target compound was not detected.

Example 3-3

Twenty milligrams of the compound (p9) was dissolved in deuterated methanol. The solution was measured on ¹H-NMR (number of integration times: 256) and M2/(M1+M2)×100 was calculated.

M1 M2 M2/(M1 + M2) × 100 2 0.0170 0.84

Example 4 Synthesis of Succinimide Ester Compound (Group I(c)) R=Methyl Group, A²O=Oxyethylene Group, m=475

Into a 500 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, and a condenser tube were charged 55 g (1.31 mmol) of the compound of the formula (p8), 238 g of dry toluene, 0.055 g of BHT, and 0.55 g of sodium acetate, and the whole was heated to dissolved them. The reaction liquid was heated to 55° C. and 1.196 g of glutaric anhydride was added thereto, followed by 5 hours of reaction at 55° C. Thereafter, 2.41 g of N-hydroxysuccinimide was added thereto at 55° C. After 1 hour of stirring, the reaction liquid was cooled to 40° C. After cooling, 4.33 g of DCC was added thereto, followed by 4 hours of reaction. After completion of the reaction, the reaction liquid was filtered to remove DCU. Then, 385 g of hexane was added to the filtrate to precipitate crystals and the crystals were collected by filtration. The collected crystals were dissolved under heating with adding 44 g of acetonitrile and 396 g of ethyl acetate. Then, 286 g of hexane was added thereto to precipitate crystals and the crystals were collected by filtration. The crystallization operation was repeated five times and the resulting crystals were dried to obtain the compound of the following (p10).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 1.76 (2H, m, —OCH₂ CH₂ CH₂NHCOCH₂CH₂CH₂—), 2.10 (2H, m, —NHCOCH₂ CH₂ CH₂COON—), 2.32 (2H, t, —NHCOCH₂ CH₂CH₂COON—), 2.69 (2H, t, —NHCOCH₂ CH₂ COON—), 2.86 (4H, s, succinimide), 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (4043H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂ OCH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, —CH₂ —OCH₂ CH₂ CH₂ NHCOCH₂CH₂CH₂—).

<main peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 41867, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 42608, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.018, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 42999;

<whole peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 39999, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 41913, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.048, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 42999.

Low-molecular-weight impurities: 3.75%

Example 5-1 Synthesis of p-nitrophenyl Carbonate Compound (Group I(d)) R=Methyl Group, A²O=Oxyethylene Group, m=475

Into a 500 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, a Dean-stark tube, and a condenser tube were charged 130 g of the compound of the formula (p6) and 420 g of toluene, and the whole was heated under reflux to effect azeotropic removal of water. The reaction liquid was cooled to 80° C. and 3.13 g of triethylamine and 4.99 g of p-nitrophenyl chloroformate were added thereto, followed by 5 hours of reaction at 80° C. After the reaction liquid was filtered, 1560 g of ethyl acetate was added and the whole was cooled to 30° C. Thereafter, 780 g of hexane was added to precipitate crystals and the crystals were collected by filtration. The collected crystals were dissolved under heating with adding 1300 g of ethyl acetate. Then, 520 g of hexane was added thereto to precipitate crystals and the crystals were collected by filtration. The crystallization operation was repeated five times and the resulting crystals were dried to obtain the compound of the following (p11).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (4043H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃), 4.34-4.48 (2, m, —CH₂ OCOO-Ph-NO₂), 7.40, 8.28 (2H, 2H, d, d, —CH₂OCOO—Ph—NO₂).

<main peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 41686, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 42429, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.018, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 42813;

<whole peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 40190, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 41828, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.041, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 42813.

Low-molecular-weight impurities: 2.99%

Example 5-2

To 50 mg of the compound of the formula (p11) were added 10 mg of glycine and 1 ml of 0.1M phosphate buffer solution (pH 8.5), followed by dissolving them. The whole was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. To a gel filtration column equilibrated with 0.3 mM ammonium formate buffer solution was added 2 ml of a solution of the reaction liquid diluted five times with the buffer solution. Furthermore, the buffer solution was added thereto and a high-molecular-weight fraction which was first eluted was collected into a vial for HPLC measurement. Then, when the fraction was analyzed by liquid chromatography (concentration of ammonium formate buffer solution: 0.3 mM), any ionic functional group-containing impurity other than the aimed compound was not detected.

Example 6-1 Synthesis of Carboxyl Compound (Group I(h)) R=Methyl Group, A²=Oxyethylene Group, m=475

Into a 1000 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, a Dean-stark tube, and a condenser tube were charged 410 g of the compound of the formula (p6), 450 g of toluene, and 0.041 g of BHT, and the whole was heated under reflux at 110° C. or higher to effect azeotropic removal of water. After the reaction liquid was cooled to 40° C., 20.5 g of potassium hydroxide was added thereto and, after 1 hour of stirring, 8.7 g of ethyl bromohexanoate was added dropwise to the mixture over a period of 15 minutes with maintaining it at 40° C., followed by 7.5 hours of stirring. Furthermore, 20.5 g of potassium hydroxide was added thereto and, after 30 minutes of stirring, 8.7 g of ethyl bromohexanoate was added dropwise to the mixture over a period of 30 minutes with maintaining it at 40° C., followed by 6.5 hours of stirring. To the reaction liquid was added 410 g of water for injection, and the whole was heated to 50° C. and stirred for 2 hours. Subsequently, the reaction mixture was cooled to 10° C. or lower and 97 g of 85% phosphoric acid was slowly added so that temperature of the reaction liquid did not exceed 10° C. To the reaction liquid were added 400 ml of ethyl acetate, 400 ml of hexane, and 0.041 g of BHT, and the whole was stirred for 15 minutes, followed by leaving the mixture on standing until layers separated. After the layer separation, the upper organic layer was removed with suction and 600 ml of chloroform was added to the lower aqueous layer. After 15 minutes of stirring, the whole was left on standing until layers separated. After the layer separation, the lower chloroform layer was taken out and 400 ml of ethyl acetate and 100 g of magnesium sulfate were added to remove water. After the magnesium sulfate was removed by filtration, hexane was added to the filtrate until crystals were precipitated. After the crystals were collected by filtration, the crystals were dissolved under heating in 400 ml of ethyl acetate. After dissolution, the solution was cooled until crystals were precipitated. The crystallization operation was repeated five times and the resulting crystals were dried to obtain the compound of the following (p12).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 1.42 (2H, m, —OCH₂CH₂ CH₂ CH₂CH₂COOH), 1.63 (2H, m, —OCH₂ CH₂ CH₂CH₂CH₂COOH), 1.67 (2H, m, —OCH₂CH₂CH₂ CH₂ CH₂COOH), 2.80 (2H, m, —OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂ CH₂ COOH), 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (3807H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, —CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂COOH).

<main peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 41632, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 42314, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.016, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 42579;

<whole peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 40084, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 41561, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.037, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 42579.

Low-molecular-weight impurities: 3.60%

Example 6-2

When the compound of the formula (p12) was analyzed on a liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column (concentration of ammonium formate buffer solution: 0.15 mM), any ionic functional group-containing impurity other than the target compound was not detected.

Example 7-1

The compound of the following (p13) having a molecular weight of about 10,000 was synthesized in a similar manner to Example 1-3.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.40-3.80 (933H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)H, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)H, CH₂ OCH₂Ph), 4.54 (2H, s, —CH₂ Ph), 7.27-7.38 (5H, m, —CH₂ Ph).

Example 7-2

The compound of the following (p14) was synthesized in a similar manner to Example 14, by using the compound (p13) as a starting material.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (933H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CH₂ OCH₂Ph), 4.54 (2H, s, —CH₂ Ph), 7.27-7.38 (5H, m, —CH₂ Ph).

Example 7-3

The compound of the following (p15) was synthesized in a similar manner to Example 1-5, by using the compound (p14) as a starting material.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (933H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CH₂ OH).

Example 8 Synthesis of Aldehyde Compound (Group I(j)) R=Methyl Group, A²O=Oxyethylene Group, m=116 Example 8-1

Into a 200 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, a Dean-stark tube, and a condenser tube were charged 20 g of the above compound (p15) and 120 g of toluene, and the whole was heated under reflux to effect azeotropic removal of water. After cooling to room temperature, 1.012 g of triethylamine and 0.687 g of methanesulfonyl chloride were added thereto, followed by 3 hours of reaction at 40° C. After filtration of the reaction liquid, the filtrate was charged into a 500 ml beaker and crystallization was carried out with adding 100 ml of ethyl acetate and 150 ml of hexane. The crystallization operation was repeated three times. The crystals were collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following mesylate compound (p16).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.08 (3H, s, —SO₃ CH₃ ), 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (931H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃), 4.27-4.44 (2H, m, —CH₂ OSO₃CH₃).

Example 8-2

Into a 200 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, a Dean-stark tube, and a condenser tube were added 10 g of the above mesylate compound (p16), 0.001 g of BHT, and 100 ml of toluene, and the whole was heated under reflux to effect azeotropic removal of water, followed by cooling to room temperature. On the other hand, into a 100 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, a Dean-stark tube, and a condenser tube were added 14.8 g of 3,3-diethoxy-1-propanol and 40 ml of toluene, and the whole was heated under reflux to effect azeotropic removal of water. After cooling to room temperature, 0.36 g of sodium was added and the whole was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours until it was dissolved. After dissolution of the sodium was confirmed, the reaction liquid was poured into the round-bottom flask containing the compound (p16) from which water had been removed as above, followed by 4 hours of reaction at 70° C. After cooling of the reaction liquid to 40° C., 0.36 g of ion-exchange water was added and the whole was stirred for 30 minutes, followed by filtration. Then, 100 ml of ethanol was added to the filtrate, and hexane was added until crystals were precipitated. The crystallization operation was repeated five times. The resulting crystals were collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following acetal compound (p17).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 1.20 (6H, t, —CH₂CH₂CH(OCH₂ CH₃ )₂), 1.88-1.92 (2H, m, —CH₂ CH₂ CH(OCH₂CH₃)₂), 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (939H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, —CH₂ O—CH₂ CH₂CH(OCH₂ CH₃)₂), 4.64 (1H, t, —CH₂CH₂ CH(OCH₂CH₃)₂).

Example 8-3

Into a 200 ml beaker was weighed 4 g of the resulting acetal compound (p17). Then, 80 g of ion-exchange water was added to dissolve the crystals and the solution was adjusted to pH 1.5 with 85% phosphoric acid, followed by 2 hours of stirring at room temperature. During the reaction, light shielding was conducted. Thereafter, 16 g of sodium chloride was added and dissolved and the whole was adjusted to pH 7.0 with 40% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. To the reaction liquid was added 30 ml of chloroform, and the whole was stirred for 15 minutes, followed by leaving the mixture on standing until layers separated. The lower chloroform layer was dried over sodium sulfate and, after filtration, 50 ml of toluene and 120 ml of hexane was added to precipitate crystals. The crystals was collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following aldehyde compound (p18).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 2.65 (2H, m, CH₂ COH), 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (935H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂COH), 9.78 (1H, m, CH₂COH).

<main peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 10055, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 10213, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.016, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 10441;

<whole peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 9779, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 10252, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.049, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 10441.

Low-molecular-weight impurities: 3.50%.

Example 9

For evaluating stability of the compounds of the invention, the following model compound was synthesized and the stability was compared.

Example 9-1

In 50 ml of methanol was dissolved 63 mg (20 mM) of sodium cyanotrihydroborate. Into 2 ml of the solution were added 0.5 g of the aldehyde compound (p 18) and 50 μl of n-butylamine, followed by 18 hours of stirring at room temperature. Methanol was removed by evaporation to effect concentration and then the concentrate was extracted by adding 20 ml of chloroform and 20 ml of 20% aqueous sodium chloride. The extraction operation was repeated three times. The resulting chloroform layer was dried over sodium sulfate and, after filtration, concentrated. The resulting concentrate was dissolved under heating by adding 20 ml of ethyl acetate and then 30 ml of hexane was added to precipitate crystals, which was collected by filtration. The resulting crystals were weighed into a 100 ml beaker and dissolved under heating with adding 20 ml of ethyl acetate and then 20 ml of hexane was added to precipitate crystals again, which was collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following compound (p19).

Example 9-2 Evaluation of Stability Accelerated Aging Test

The synthesized above compound (p19) was weighed in an amount of 12 mg, and 1 ml of 100 mM phosphate buffer solution (pH=8.8) was added thereto, followed by 12 hours of stirring on a water bath at 75° C. GPC measurement was carried out before starting and after completion of stirring. The results are shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. FIG. 4 is a GPC chart of the sample of the compound (p19) before starting and FIG. 5 is a GPC chart of the sample of (p19) after heating.

Comparative Example 1

The following compound (p20) having a molecular weight of about 10700 purchased from Shearwater Polymers, Inc. was weighed in an amount of 107 mg, and 10 μl of n-butylamine and 1 ml of chloroform were added thereto, followed by 18 hours of stirring at room temperature. Chloroform was removed by evaporation to effect concentration, then the concentrate was dissolved under heating with adding 20 ml of ethyl acetate, and then 30 ml of hexane was added to precipitate crystals, which was collected by filtration. The resulting crystals were weighed into a 100 ml beaker and dissolved under heating with adding 20 ml of ethyl acetate, and then 20 ml of hexane was added to precipitate crystals again, which was collected by filtration and dried to obtain the following compound (p21).

Using the above synthesized compound (p21), the same operations as in Example 9-2 were carried out and GPC measurement was conducted. The results are shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. FIG. 6 is a GPC chart of the sample of the compound (p21) before starting and FIG. 7 is a GPC chart of the sample of (p21) after heating.

From the results of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, it was revealed that the compounds of the invention were not hydrolyzed and exhibited a high stability. On the other hand, from the results of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a compound having a molecular weight of ½ was formed in an amount of about 25% in the case of (p21) of Comparative Example, which showed that the urethane bond was cleaved and the branched polyethylene glycol was decomposed into a single chain.

Example 10 Synthesis of Succinimide Ester Compound (Group I(c)) R=Methyl Group, A²O=Oxyethylene Group, m=475

Into a 200 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, and a condenser tube were charged 10 g of the carboxyl compound of the formula (p12), 50 ml of dry toluene, 0.01 g of BHT, and 0.1 g of sodium acetate, and the whole was heated to dissolved them. The reaction liquid was heated to 50° C. and 55 mg of N-hydroxysuccinimide was added thereto. After 1 hour of stirring, the reaction liquid was cooled to 40° C. After cooling, 98 mg of DCC was added thereto, followed by 4 hours of reaction. After completion of the reaction, the reaction liquid was filtered to remove DCU. Then, 50 ml of hexane was added to the filtrate to precipitate crystals and the crystals were collected by filtration. The collected crystals were dissolved under heating with adding 20 ml of acetonitrile and 200 ml of ethyl acetate. Then, 200 ml of hexane was added thereto to precipitate crystals and the crystals were collected by filtration. The crystallization operation was repeated three times and the resulting crystals were dried to obtain the compound of the following (p22).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 1.46 (2H, m, —OCH₂CH₂ CH₂ CH₂CH₂COON), 1.58 (2H, m, —OCH₂ CH₂ CH₂CH₂CH₂COON—), 1.77 (2H, m, —OCH₂CH₂CH₂ CH₂ CH₂COON), 2.61 (2H, m, —OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂ CH₂ COON), 2.84 (4H, s, —NHS), 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (3807H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, —CH₂ —OCH₂ CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂COOH).

<main peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 41632, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 42314, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.016, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 42579;

<whole peak> number average molecular weight (Mm): 40084, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 41561, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.037, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 42579.

Low-molecular-weight impurities: 3.60%

Example 11 Synthesis of Succinimide Ester Compound (Group I(c)) R=Methyl Group, A²O=Oxyethylene Group, m=223

Into a 500 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, a stirrer, and a condenser tube were charged 50 g (2.5 mmol) of the compound of the formula (p3), 250 ml of toluene, 0.05 g of BHT, and 0.5 g of sodium acetate, and the whole was heated under reflux to effect azeotropic removal of water. To the reaction liquid was added 2.853 g of glutaric anhydride, followed by 15 hours of reaction at 110° C. Thereafter, the reaction liquid was cooled to 40° C. and 6.905 g of N-hydroxysuccinimide was added thereto. After 1 hour of stirring, 10.317 g of DCC was added thereto, followed by 5 hours of reaction at 40° C. After completion of the reaction, the reaction liquid was filtered to remove DCU. Then, 250 ml of hexane was added to the filtrate to precipitate crystals and the crystals were collected by filtration. The collected crystals were dissolved under heating with adding 25 ml of acetonitrile and 250 ml of ethyl acetate. Then, 250 ml of hexane was added thereto to precipitate crystals and the crystals were collected by filtration. The crystallization operation was repeated five times and the resulting crystals were dried to obtain the compound of the following (p23).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, internal standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 2.05 (2H, t, —OCOCH₂ CH₂ CH₂COON), 2.49 (2H, t, —OCOCH₂ CH₂CH₂COON—), 2.71 (2H, t, —OCOCH₂CH₂ CH₂ COON), 2.84 (4H, s, succinimide), 3.38 (6H, s, —CH₃ ), 3.40-3.80 (178H, m, —CH₂ O(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃, CHO(CH₂CH₂ O)_(m)CH₃). 4.11-4.15, 4.26-4.30 (1H, 1H, m, m, CH₂ —OCOCH₂CH₂CH₂COON—)

<main peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 19883, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 20217, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.017, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 20162;

<whole peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 19503, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 20087, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.030, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 20162.

Low-molecular-weight impurities: 1.04%

Comparative Example 2-1

To a 300 ml round-bottom flask fitted with a thermometer, a nitrogen-introducing tube, and a stirrer were added 27.3 g (0.15 mol) of 3-benzyloxy-1,2-propanediol, 135 g of dry toluene, and 0.9 g (39 mmol: 26% by mol) of sodium. With introducing nitrogen thereinto, the whole was stirred at 80° C. until sodium dissolved. After dissolution, the solution was further stirred at 80° C. for 2 hours.

The reaction liquid was charged into a 5 L autoclave thoroughly dried beforehand and the same operations as in Examples 1-3, 1-6, 1-7, and 1-8 were conducted to obtain the compound (p24) having the same structure as that of (p6).

Comparative Example 2-2

The compound of the following (p25) having the same structure as that of (p9) was synthesized in a similar manner to Examples 2-1, 2-2, and 3-1, by using the compound (p24) as a starting material.

<main peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 40456, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 41857, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.043, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 42700;

<whole peak> number average molecular weight (Mn): 32878, weight average molecular weight (Mw): 37658, polydispersity (Mw/Mn): 1.099, peak top molecular weight (Mp): 42700.

Low-molecular-weight impurities: 19.12%

Example 12

Twenty milligrams of the compound (p25) was dissolved in deuterated methanol. The solution was measured on ¹H-NMR (number of integration times: 256) and M2/(M1+M2)×100 was calculated. The results are shown in Table 3 together with those of (p9).

TABLE 3 M1 M2 M2/(M1 + M2) × 100 (p9) 2 0.0170 0.84 (p25) 2 0.6606 24.83

Example 13 Modification of Peptide

A peptide of Humanin (Met-Ala-Pro-Arg-Gly-Phe-Ser-Cys-Leu-Leu-Leu-Leu-Thr-Ser-Glu-Ile-Asp-Leu-Pro-Val-Lys-Arg-Arg-Ala) (molecular weight: 2687.2) was adjusted to 0.5 μM with 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH=6.4). Into 200 μl of the solution was added 4 mg of the compound of the formula (p9) or (p25), followed by 4 hours of reaction at room temperature. Then, 200 μl of the reaction liquid was charged into an SP-Sepharose FF (manufactured by Amersham) column, which was then equilibrated with 20 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH=8.2). After the equilibration, a solution obtained by adding NaCl to the buffer so as to be 1N was passed through the column and a fraction of the peptide modified with (p9) or (p25) was obtained with monitoring the elute by UV. Thereafter, 20 μl of the fraction was mixed with 20 μl of a Tris-SDS sample-treating liquid, followed by heating on a boiling water bath for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Then, 20 μl of the solution was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (4-20%). The staining was carried out by BaI₂ staining. The results were shown in FIG. 8. The left lane is a result of modification with (p9) and the right lane is a result of modification with (p25). As a result, it was found that the compound having a polydispersity of more than 1.07 and a large value of M2/(M1+M2)×100 has a broad band of a peptide and thus homogeneous modification was not achieved. 

1. A polyalkylene glycol derivative comprising a compound of the formula (1):

wherein R is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, OA² is an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, the groups represented by R are the same or different from each other in one molecule, the groups represented by OA² are the same or different from each other in one molecule, m is an average number of moles of the above oxyalkylene group added, m represents 10 to 1000, and X represents a functional group capable of covalently bonding with a residual group selected from the group consisting of an amino group, a mercapto group, an unsaturated bond, a carboxyl and an aldehyde group of a bio-related substance, and polydispersity Mw/Mn of the polyalkylene glycol derivative in gel permeation chromatography satisfying the following relationship: Mw/Mn≦1.07 wherein Mw represents a weight average molecular weight and Mn represents a number average molecular weight, and wherein X is a group selected from the group (I): Group (I)

wherein W¹ is a halogen atom selected from Cl, Br, and I; and wherein Z is a structure selected from the following structures (z1) to (z8):

wherein s is an integer of 1 to
 6. 2. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 1, comprising low-molecular-weight impurities in an amount of 6% or less in gel permeation chromatography.
 3. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein R is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, OA² is an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and m is 20 to 1000 in the formula (1).
 4. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein R is a methyl group, OA² is an oxyethylene group, and m is 50 to 1000 in the formula (1).
 5. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein X is a group represented by the formula (a): —Z—NH₂  (a) wherein Z is defined as in claim
 1. 6. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein X is a group represented by the formula (b):

wherein Z is defined as in claim
 1. 7. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein X is a group represented by the formula (c):

wherein Z is defined as in claim
 1. 8. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein X is a group represented by the formula (d):


9. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein X is a group represented by the formula (e):

wherein Z is defined as in claim
 1. 10. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein X is a group represented by the formula (f):

wherein Z is defined as in claim
 1. 11. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein X is a group represented by the formula (g): —Z—ONH₂  (g) wherein Z is defined as in claim
 1. 12. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein X is a group represented by the formula (h): —Z—COOH  (h) wherein Z is defined as in claim
 1. 13. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein X is a group represented by the formula (i): —Z—SH  (i) wherein Z is defined as in claim
 1. 14. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 2, wherein X is a group represented by the formula (j):

wherein Z is defined as in claim
 1. 15. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 5, wherein the amount of impurities containing an ionic functional group other than a target product is 1% or less in a chromatogram obtained by analyzing a polyalkylene glycol derivative represented by the formula (1) by liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column.
 16. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 12, wherein the amount of impurities containing an ionic functional group other than a target product is 1% or less in a chromatogram obtained by analyzing a polyalkylene glycol derivative represented by the formula (1) by liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column.
 17. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 6, wherein the amount of impurities containing an ionic functional group other than an objective product is 1% or less in a chromatogram obtained by reacting a polyalkylene glycol derivative represented by the formula (1) with a labeling agent having an ionic functional group and analyzing the resulting product by liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column.
 18. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 8, wherein the amount of impurities containing an ionic functional group other than an objective product is 1% or less in a chromatogram obtained by reacting a polyalkylene glycol derivative represented by the formula (1) with a labeling agent having an ionic functional group and analyzing the resulting product by liquid chromatography using an ion-exchange column.
 19. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 6, which satisfies the following parameter: M2/(M1+M2)×100≦2 M1: an integral value of the maleimido group derived from the hydroxyl group at the 1-position directly bonded to the glycerin skeleton when a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of a polyalkylene glycol derivative represented by the formula (1) is obtained in deuterated methanol; M2: an integral value of the maleimido group derived from the hydroxyl group of the polyalkylene glycol chain.
 20. The polyalkylene glycol derivative according to claim 17, which satisfies the following parameter: M2/(M1+M2)×100≦2 M1: an integral value of the maleimido group derived from the hydroxyl group at the 1-position directly bonded to the glycerin skeleton when a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of a polyalkylene glycol derivative represented by the formula (1) is obtained in deuterated methanol; M2: an integral value of the maleimido group derived from the hydroxyl group of the polyalkylene glycol chain. 